ATSB report • Cessna 441 forced landing, Broome, March '26

[Garfly]

 

In-flight engine shutdown and forced landing involving Cessna 441, VH-LBZ, 3.6 km from Broome Airport, Western Australia, on 19 March 2026 | ATSB

WWW.ATSB.GOV.AU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And according to the Google bigbot, this ain't the first time such a thing has happened (poor ergonomics strikes again):

 

AI Overview

The primary problem with the Cessna 441’s engine Stop and Start buttons is their vulnerable ergonomic layout in the cockpit. Because these buttons are closely grouped together and lack sufficient physical barriers, pilots have inadvertently triggered engine shutdowns during critical phases of flight.

 

 

 

[facthunter]

Understand your Plane before you start Playing engine failures. Always "confirm" correct switch Before Moving it and it's Purpose/ action.  You should also know the Quick restart procedure. Turbo Props not feathered can create a lot of drag. That's why they Have Auto-feather. Nev

[flying dog]

I agree with Facthunter.

 

I watched the clip and was shocked that the FUEL BOOST and ENGINE OFF buttons were so close to each other and were the same kind of button.

[Thruster88]

That would be a very good reason to Visually identify and only press one  button at a time to avoid the risk of double engine failure. 

[onetrack]

To reach out and hit control buttons by memory, whilst your eyes are elsewhere, as this co-pilot did, would rate as a dangerous cockpit practice - as proven by the result here.

[facthunter]

With Auto feather, it's locked out once one engine has been feathered.  This type of aircraft should easily fly on ONE engine if operated at the required Weights. Doing things at rapid speed invites wrong actions. Nev